Senior CAD Designer

Position Summary

The Senior CAD Designer will work hand in hand with Design Engineers to design innovative aftermarket accessories for Trucks, Jeeps and Passenger Cars. This position will require strong knowledge and experience in automotive exterior design (Class A surfaces, injection molding, extrusions, hardware, etc.). This role will work from conceptual development all the way through start of production, including advanced concept engineering. Projects will mainly target the aftermarket product lines, with growth potential into OEM product lines as well.

Core Functions

• Responsible for creating innovative design concepts and completing product designs in 3D and drawing release, per engineering direction.
• Create designs in Catia or NX for the intention of and production implementation (using the DFMA toolbox skills i.e. DOE, DFMA etc.).
• Provide direction for innovative and new product design solutions to meet customer requirements.
• Coordinate design-related workload with designated Design Engineer.
• Create models, drawings, and/or support test sample builds.
• Coordinate with the CAD Administrator and related RealTruck Brands, if applicable.
• Utilize creative and critical thinking to develop new product concepts that have high customer appeal, function, and/or aesthetics. Apply knowledge of various engineered materials and processes towards new product ideas and concepts.
• Create drawings for prototype and production release. Follow drawing release and engineering change processes applicable to the brand/division.
• Design for Manufacturing as required or driven by the Brand’s manufacturing engineers.
• Lead and engage in trouble shooting with the team to develop options for success during complex situations.
• Mentor junior level designers as necessary.
• Establish and maintain corporate design standards as necessary.
  
  

Qualifications & Requirements

Education and Experience

• 2-year Associate of Applied Science in CAD/Design or equivalent degree is required.
• 5 years of hands-on, professional product design experience working for an OEM or Tier 1 in body/exterior/sealing/mechanisms or equivalent required, or previous experience in consumer product space.
• Experience designing injection molded parts, including an understanding of designing to draft angle, under-surface detail involving lifter design and gating, texture/grain, etc. is highly preferred.
  
  

Skills And Abilities

• Ability to design complex plastic parts, extruded aluminum profiles, extruded and molded weather seals, brackets, latches, and mechanisms based on direction from Design Engineers
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Skilled working with Catia or NX, including parametric modeling practices.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to write, speak, and comprehend English.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills and critical thinking skills with a focus on root-cause analysis.
  
  

Travel

Must be able to travel locally (Metro-Detroit) and domestically on occasion. Travel estimated to be roughly <5% (initially higher due to learning curve). Estimated to be 1-2 weeks per year max.

About RealTruck

RealTruck is the premier manufacturer and digital destination of accessories for truck, Jeep®, Bronco® and off-road enthusiasts around the world. Globally headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, RealTruck’s 5,000 associates operate from 72 facilities across four continents. RealTruck’s industry leading product portfolio, which includes the Husky Liners total vehicle protection brand, boasts over 850 patents and pending applications. The company’s omni-channel retail approach delivers a seamless consumer experience online at RealTruck.com, as well as through its 12,000 dealer network and automotive (OEM) partnerships.